The lost art of sharing
Build your community and create real magic
“Share, don’t be selfish.” It’s the first thing we teach our children when they play with other kids. Yet, as adults we forget the impact sharing can have on our lives. Sharing has the power to create serious magic and form the glue that bonds our community, friends and creates deep social connections. It’s embedded in human culture and has the ability to shape our communities and inform how we interact with each another.
What’s the difference between gifting and sharing?
Both gifting and sharing are expressions of generosity, but they have distinctive characteristics and nuances.
Gifting is a one-way, directional act of giving without expecting anything in return. It is an expression of generosity and care. Gifts can be material (like a book, piece of jewelry, or clothing) or immaterial (such as time, advice, or emotional support). The emphasis in gifting is on the benefit experienced by the recipient yet can bring satisfaction to both giver and receiver.
Sharing often allows multiple people to partake in an experience, resource, or possession. It implies a sense of equality and reciprocity, even if not immediately. For instance, when we share a meal, a car ride, or a living space, all parties are participating and benefiting at the same time. Sharing often strengthens social bonds as it promotes cooperation, mutual understanding, and community.
While, both are forms of giving, gifting is more about a one-way transfer, and sharing involves communal or mutual use. Both deepen relationships and foster a sense of connection and generosity. Both carry their own unique magic and can profoundly impact the lives of those involved.
Let’s contrast gifting & sharing things vs. selling & renting.
If you were to give me a spoon and I accept it, the energy of the item becomes more in the transaction and a social bond is strengthened. It is no longer just a spoon, it is The Spoon that my friend gave me and I do NOT want to loose it. If I then gave it to my Mother. It becomes The Spoon my Son gave me, he received it from his close friend. And every time my mother looks at the spoon, it is no ordinary spoon, oh no, This is the Spoon my Son gave me.
If you were to scale this type of interaction culturally - you would have abundance. Ordinary things would take on magical characteristics and personality.
Now, if you were to sell me that same spoon and I were to buy it for $1.00, the energy of the item is consumed in the transaction and there is no bond. The financial transaction is all that remains. Then, I sell the spoon to my mom for .99¢ and her cheap son sold her a shitty spoon he got ripped off on from some guy for a dollar.
If we scaled this culturally, we’d have what we currently have - scarcity.
How does sharing work?
The magic of sharing can be seen in a simple example such as a friend sharing their home with others without expecting anything in return. This is what “Trust the Process” means. You cannot ever give with any expectation of receiving something in return. The more you trust, the more you will get in return.
When we focus too much on the exchange or the reward, the magic of gifting is lost. Instead, we should e
mbrace the act of giving without expectation, allowing magic to flow naturally and deepen our connections with others. “Trust the Process.”
In a world that can sometimes feel competitive and individualistic, it is crucial to remember the importance of engaging in these acts to nurture our communities and foster a connection.
Give it a try, challenge yourself to give something without expectation, share freely with a friend, open your home on MyPlace for a friend who is in town and cherish the impact these acts can have on your relationships and our world as a whole.
Are you still living in the old paradigm? Or are you ready to see the of world for what it is? It’s abundant as fuck, so share what you can, share your gifts, your good vibes, anything - let the magic that surrounds you flow.
Help me imagine this world into being.